Winter in North Wales is a spectacular sight. Dramatic scenery and mountain tops dusted with ice and snow create truly unforgettable views, offering a welcome distraction from stresses of everyday life. If you are in need of some inspiration, or want a festive day out to get you in the holiday mood, why not try one of these activities during your stay?

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway Santa Trains

Visiting with children? If you fancy an alternative to queuing up to visit Santa’s grotto, why not treat the family to the magical experience of the Ffestiniog Railway Victorian Santa Train? There is nothing else quite like travelling by steam train through the snow-capped mountains and striking winter landscapes of Snowdonia. Santa and his elves pass through the carriages during the journey, handing gifts out to all the children and bringing plenty of festive cheer.

Trains run between Porthmadog and Tan y Bwlch as well as Caernarfon and Waunfawr.

2016 is The Year of Adventure in Wales so if you are visiting the area in January, why not try out one of many fantastic adrenaline adventure attractions that the region boasts to give your New Year a real boost. The year of adventure is all about trying something completely different and creating a personal sense of challenge. Why not plan your very own year of adventure for 2016 and start it off right here in Wales? We have mile long zip lines, exhilarating rib rides, cave adventures and castles to explore, coastal walks and mountain bike trails, so there is something for all ages and interests!

Zip World caverns in Blaenau Ffestiniog, is a great attraction unlike anything you’ll ever have experienced before. A series of zip lines that pass through 140 year old slate caverns with an obstacle course to tackle as well. Navigate your way through tunnels and along underground rock faces. This subterranean adventure is an ideal winter activity for the whole family.

If none of those take your fancy, keep it simple by taking a brisk beach walk (with no-one else around!) or a peaceful lakeside ramble whilst on your win

ter escape here in North Wales. Try Llanddwyn beach on Anglesey’s western coast, with a mixture of forest trails, sand dunes and miles of beautiful beach, it’s a great place to blow away the cobwebs! After a day braving the crisp winter air and exploring the region, you’ll find no shortage of pubs and eateries offering a warm welcome and a cosy open fire. Grab yourself a pint of Welsh ale, sit back, relax and warm your toes.

What are your favourite things to do here in North Wales during the winter season?

Did you know that Llyn Padarn, the lake over which we look, is officially designated as bathing water?

Or that it takes an hour to reach the summit of Snowdon by the mountain railway, travelling at an average speed of just 5 miles per hour?

These and many other fascinating bits of info will be part of our blog.

What can you see and do when you stay or visit The Royal Victoria Hotel? This blog will give you tips and advice you may not find in other guides. Created by the hotel with the help of local writers, we’ll provide regular updates on events at the hotel and nearby, and ideas on what to do when you’re here.

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